Fr Ed Homily 8-28-20

Party Like It’s 1999

I remember Y2k. No, I did not get into planning that the computers would all shutdown. People would ask if I bought extra groceries, (like we were going to runout of toilet paper, right), and when I would say no, they would glare at me. So, I did go to the gas station and got a bottle of water. Which made me think, when some calamity is about to happen why do we always run out to buy all the toilet paper we can?

We remember the title to Prince’s hit song, but there is another line that is important even for today. It is: “Oops, out of time.” Today’s gospel is familiar to us. It is about the ten virgins. Five have extra oil, the others did not have extra oil. We could focus on that topic, but I think there is something even more important. It is the bridegroom. It has been a long while since anyone has seem him. Suddenly he arrives. (Oops, out of time.) He is here. What do we do now? The symbolism is that Jesus will come when we do not expect it. We need to ask ourselves, is it better to ask for forgiveness before He comes or wait till judgement day?

There will be a time to enter the party, but when the door closes, that is it. (Oops out of time.) There is nothing on this earth that you can take with you. So, if you choose to party like it’s 1999, you will miss the grace God wants to shower on you. And when the bridegroom, Jesus, comes, and you do not have the oil of grace in your flask, you could be left out. Of course, you will have your toilet paper.

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen